How to improve Andorra to be a sustainable tourist destination? Specialist Daniel Madariaga responds
The consequences of covid-19 pandemic they can still be seen reflected in various economic sectors, tourism being one of those that suffers from the consequences of the confinements.
However, various nations whose economy depends largely on tourism have implemented new strategies to lay the foundations for the recovery and strengthening of said sector, precisely Daniel Madariaga Barrilado.
According to the sustainability specialist, Andorra is one of the first nations to generate the strengthening of its tourism sector with the approval of a bill that regulates a tax on stays in tourist accommodation, thus allowing the application of a tourist tax of between 1.5 and 3 euros, which has been in effect since July 1.
“The government of the principality aims to collect at least 12 million euros per year and the most important thing is that these resources are projected to reinvest in the sector itself or in sustainability issues. This is relevant when we have in perspective that Andorra bases its economy on tourism and trade”.
For Madariaga Barrilado said strategy could be considered in a country like Mexicowhere although tourism is not the main economic sector, it did contribute between 8.5 percent and 8.7 percent of the Gross domestic product (GDP) national until before the pandemic, and that, in 2020, amounted to 1.5 billion Mexican pesos, according to Statista.
The Mexican specialist shared that this initiative had already been advanced by the European country, during a meeting of small member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) held in Montenegro, where the representatives of that nation stated that they will continue to ensure an optimal health and sustainable scenario for foreign visitors.
“It is worth mentioning that this tourist tax is a taxes which is added to the price of accommodation, apartments or campsites, and works in many European countries, such as Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, Portugal, Austria, Germany, Malta, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria”.
Likewise, he explained that, for local tourism, the collection of said rate does not apply; it also has no effect for travelers under 12 years of age, regardless of their place of origin; nor for those who stay for periods longer than 14 days in the same place; or those who do so for social reasons or for a greater cause.
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